Finally going to start this after much procrastination. I have about 60 or so metal related albums I have enjoyed this year but there are still have many that I didn't have time to check out in 2011 that I will be checking out in 2012. I'll start by listing those that I regrettably ran out of time to listen to properly.

I also forgot to note that I'm am not a very strong writer, especially compared to many of you guys, so I'll keep my write-ups short and sweet for the most part.

Top EPs

Between The Buried And Me - The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues

Composed of three tracks of about 10 minutes in length, this EP contains more of the same progressive metalcore with Dream Theater wank and the usual crazy antics. I've enjoyed their post Silent Circus material to an extent and this is no different. Not their best songwriting, which I still feel is too schizophrenic, but enjoyable music from a supremely talented band nonetheless.

Ancestors - Invisible White

This fantastic little release was one of my most pleasant surprises of 2011. I had enjoyed their previous releases, Neptune With Fire and Of Sound Mind, but the new direction of Invisible White has me excited about the band's future. The music lacks the riffage of their previous work, but instead relies on a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere. Strong harmonized clean vocals, sprawling guitar work, and well utilized piano/organ works in harmony to create a collection of songs that make me want to lay in a sunny field and just let the music take me to another world.

The final track, "Epilogue", especially the final 5 minutes containing a fantastic guitar solo is clearly the highlight.http://youtu.be/blxQimsGwwc

I primarily listen to metal related material, but I do listen to a good amount of music outside the realm of heavy as well. Here are a few I've enjoyed this year.

7. Hugh Laurie - Let Them Talk

I'm not an expert on the blues but as far as I can tell this is a solid representation of the genre. Hugh Laurie, of House fame, is the primary performer and sings in addition to playing piano. Most of the songs are traditional blues and are skillfully and authentically executed. Laurie isn't the strongest singer but he sings from the heart and his genuine love for the blues is quite clear.

6. *shels - Plains of the Purple Buffalo

Uplifting post rock with great vocal melodies. Beautiful record that really takes you to another world. Could have gone with my metal list as well but I decided to leave it here.

I was a bit disappointed with this album (or EP i guess) upon my first few listens. I was probably hoping it would be a continuation of the metallic/djent post rock genius of Beacons, but Cloudkicker mastermind Ben Sharp had other ideas. Most of the heaviness is gone but his great melodic sensibility is not. The result is a collection of very relaxed, uplifting acoustic and clean post rock songs. I like that he's evolving as a songwriter and leaving his Meshuggah worship in the past. Hopefully his next album continues his musical evolution without completely forgetting his talent for writing amazing riffs.

4. Defeater - Empty Days And Sleepless Nights

I'm not an expert on the hardcore genre, but they are easily my favorite hardcore band. I usually don't pay much attention to lyrics in music but they are some of the best I've heard and are delivered with such emotion and conviction by front-man Derek Archambault. The rest of the band doesn't take a back seat either, with some of the best catchy, melodic guitar riffs I've heard in the genre and solid drumming. The simple guitar melody, cathartic vocals and urgent drumming on "White Oak Doors" creates one of the most gut wrenching, intense musical moments I've heard in any genre. The band then ends the album with four attempts at some acoustic storytelling and not surprisingly they succeed at that as well. I can't wait to hear what these guys come up with next.

I was a bit disappointed with this album (or EP i guess) upon my first few listens. I was probably hoping it would be a continuation of the metallic/djent post rock genius of Beacons, but Cloudkicker mastermind Ben Sharp had other ideas. Most of the heaviness is gone but his great melodic sensibility is not. The result is a collection of very relaxed, uplifting acoustic and clean post rock songs. I like that he's evolving as a songwriter and leaving his Meshuggah worship in the past. Hopefully his next album continues his musical evolution without completely forgetting his talent for writing amazing riffs.